What does the flow of a preplanned air support request include?

The flow of a preplanned air support request is best represented by the integration of service/component channels with planning systems. This option highlights the structured process whereby different military services and components coordinate their requests for air support within a broader planning framework. This integration ensures that requests are effectively organized, prioritized, and aligned with the overall strategic objectives of the operation.

This collaborative approach allows for efficient resource allocation and ensures that all relevant factors, such as timing, mission objectives, and available assets, are taken into consideration. By leveraging established communication channels and planning systems, units can streamline their requests and enhance responsiveness to operational needs.

In contrast, options focused on direct requests to flight crews or solely on communications from commanders do not capture the comprehensive nature of the preplanned air support request flow. Strategic assessments prior to launch are indeed important, but they represent a part of the planning process rather than the actual flow of requests. The main emphasis of the question is on the systemic integration of requests, which is effectively encapsulated by the flow through service/component channels.